History of Bethel Baptist Church, Continued

On July 23, 1995, a Groundbreaking Service was held for the Bethel Baptist Church Community Family Life Center. Honored guests were: Mr. Misenheimer representing the Cannon Foundation which had donated to us $20,000 towards our new facility; Mrs. Helen Beaver presented us with a Proclamation from the City of Kannapolis from the Mayors Office of Kannapolis; Mr. Carlos Moore, Architect; Mr. Cook Franklin, Contractor of Franklin Homes; Reverend James L Stowe, Founder of The Guiding Light Missionary Baptist Church Association and the late Reverend Edgar Shepherd, former Moderator of the Guiding Light Missionary Baptist Association. All present were asked to give remarks and there were special shovels purchased just for this occasion which proceeded in three phases.

On April 1, 1996 demolition began on the grading and paving for the Family Life Center. The Construction sign went up shortly thereafter which stated Building to the Glory of God. It was in place for about five months. We purchased the former Bethel Community Center and it has been remodeled, renovated and named the Bethels Crown and Glory Beauty/Barber Shop. By July 1996, we had 235 members on the roll.

The first beam for the Family Life Center was erected in March 1997 and not long after the roof was put in place. We received our Certificate of Occupancy and our vision became a reality!

Under the auspices of the Holy Spirit, in April of 1999 Pastor Bryan J. Pierce, Sr., was called to serve as Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church and was installed in June 1999. In late fall of 1999, the Manor was sold and new parsonage located on Midlake Road in Kannapolis was purchased.

Daily Verse

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh
me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside
the still waters...Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell
in the house of the LORD for ever."
Psalms 23:1,2,6